Man Accused Of Starting Deadly CA Fire To Conceal Killing Woman

SOLANO COUNTY, CA — Authorities have determined arson caused an August 2020 wildfire that merged with the Napa County Hennessey Fire into what later became the deadly LNU Lightning Complex fires.

Further, two Solano County deaths caused by the Markley Fire are now considered homicides, the Solano County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday at the conclusion of an eight-month-long criminal investigation.

The Markley Fire started Aug. 18, 2020, in the Stebbins-Cold Canyon area of Solano County. It later merged with the LNU Lightning Complex, which burned in six counties — Lake, Napa, Yolo, Solano, Colusa and Sonoma — and consumed 363,200 acres, destroyed 1,491 structures, and claimed the lives of three people in Napa County and two in Solano County.

"The 2020 Fire Season will be counted among the most severe since the founding of our nation," Cal Fire said in an executive summary of the Lightning Complex fires and other major fires of 2020.

The two Solano County victims who were discovered dead in their homes were 82-year old Douglas Mai, in the 7400 block of Pleasant’s Valley Road; and 64-year old Leon “James” Bone, in the 7800 block of English Hills Road.

The body of a missing woman, Priscilla Castro, was also discovered in the Stebbins-Cold Canyon area.

In mid-September 2020, Victor Serriteno was arrested on suspicion of killing Castro. He was charged in connection with her death and has remained in custody ever since.

Now, the sheriff's office believes Serriteno deliberately set the Markley Fire in an attempt to conceal Castro's death.

Wednesday morning, sheriff’s detectives arrested Serriteno on suspicion of homicide and arson.

"Our continued condolences go out to the families affected by these crimes and we hope that this arrest can provide some degree of solace," the sheriff's office said late Wednesday afternoon in a news release. "We also want to thank our public safety partners as this arrest would not have been possible without the cooperation of Cal-Fire and the Vacaville Police Department."

To the many victims of the fire who may be wondering how or if this development may affect their insurance claims or any financial assistance related to fire recovery, the sheriff's office said they should in no way be affected by this announcement.

"Solano County, State and FEMA recovery efforts will continue unchanged until completion," the sheriff's office said.

RELATED COVERAGE:

• Napa County Hennessey Fire Burns 100,000 Acres: Lightning Complex
• Authorities ID 3 Napa County Residents Who Died In Hennessey Fire